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*** Removed most of the pictures as I don’t really intend to show my pictures here, if not for the challenge I joined. 🙂 – updated Nov 5, 2011.

Right, so the 2011 Manila International Book Fair has already ended last Sunday. Aww… sad I know. But I’m sure it has left many wonderful memories to everyone who took part of the event. Maybe you still have a hang over. I do! 🙂

I have to say, this year’s MIBF rocks! It is my 2nd time to attend the MIBF and why did I say it rocks? Because this year, I am not just a book shopper but I took part in some of the activities in the fair hosted by OMF Literature. (As usual, OMF booth was jam-packed with many book shoppers! Woohoo!) (Read my post about MIBF last year, click here)

As part of the bloggers network of OMF, I was invited to the bloggers meet up last Sept 15. OMF Lit prepared something for us bloggers to make our MIBF experience more exciting and engaging. 🙂 It is called the OMF LIT BLOGGERS MIBF CHALLENGE. Yup, we were given a list of 10 things to do while in their booth and outside. Together with my cousin LJ and my sister Lei, I had fun completing the challenges.

Here are those 10 challenging tasks that I did and a brief story about them:

1. Grab your favorite book, go to the stage and have your picture taken like our I Read poster.

My cousin LJ was my first partner doing the first few tasks and one of them is this. So I’m posting two pictures, one of LJ and another of me.

2. Walk up to a complete stranger and recommend a book for them to buy.

Oh, this task was exciting at the same time a lil hard especially since it involves other people – (READ: STRANGERS!). Yuppers, I approached one of the shoppers at OMFLit’s booth and recommended a book. The lady that I talked to was browsing the shelves and was still deciding between a book by Tim LaHaye and another author. I was fortunate that she was so willing to listen to what I have to say so it wasn’t such a hard task. Of course, what book would I recommend but by one of my favorite authors of course, Joshua Harris’ Dug Down Deep.

She asked me, why this book? I said because I have read the book, (well, still reading…1 Chapter to go and I’m done! Yey!) and it greatly helped me understand what Christian life is really about and how we can develop a deeper relationship with Christ. I also told her that I can relate to a lot of stories that Josh mentioned in the book because I, too was born and raised to a Christian family and not to mention, a member of Minister’s family. And I wouldn’t recommend a book that I haven’t read or not even like – I’m not like the other TV endorsers. Lol.

Well she already read Josh’s other books and she is familiar with his writing style, so that helped her convinced to buy herself a copy of Dug Down Deep. Yup, she bought it! 🙂 Oh my convincing powers! Hahaha…kidding!

And to add something interesting, I was surprised when a man approached the lady I was talking to and he sure is familiar! Yup, he is a former co-worker and they know each other! What a small world! So I was glad to have recommended a great book to a stranger and reunited with a former colleague. 🙂

3. Take a video of yourself talking about why and who you love reading. Format is “I love to read because” or “I love reading ________”

Just watch the video. 🙂

4. Help out and be a bagger at our manual counter for 15 minutes (take a picture as “proof”)

I did this on a Saturday (Sept 17) when OMF Lit book was packed with book shoppers. It was fun helping out the OMF Lit staff at the counter and thanking the shoppers for buying.

5. Wear a silly hat, go to another booth and have a picture taken with a stranger

This guy in the picture was from the Kumon booth, just right next to OMF Lit. He approached us and was promoting Kumon to us but I told him my niece is already attending the Reading and Math classes in their branch in Taguig. I instead asked him if it’s okay if he would pose in a picture with me as part of my tasks, and he was nice enough to say yes. Then, 2 days later (Monday), I saw him in the same building where I work. Yup, their office is located in the same building. Small world indeed.

6. Introduce yourself by going up on stage, getting the mic and telling them your blog url and what your blog is all about.

I have stage fright. Okay, I don’t like the spotlight. I am more of the ‘behind the scene’ person or the ‘mastermind’ but not a host or someone on the stage. So this task is one of the last items on the list that I did. I approached Ida and said that I am shy but I will do it. However, there will be a program that’s about to start and there are authors giving autographs to readers and I don’t want to steal people’s attention. So instead of telling the WOOORRRLLD about my blog url, LOL, I took part in the WORDS and MUSIC activity by volunteering to read a book excerpt. Yeah, I still went to the stage and read in front of everyone. Yay! I did read the first two paragraphs of Chapter 8 of Pass or Fail by Ronald Molmisa.

It was a great evening of Music and Words. Musicians and singers serenaded us while browsing the shelves. Awesome! I love it when Owie sang Corinne Bailey Rae’s Like A Star.

Aside from enjoying the performances of these awesome singers and musicians, I also won a book and get to keep another book. How cool is that? After an excerpt was read from the book Solo Flight by by Grace Chong and Francie Castaneda-Lacanilao, the hosts Juddah Paolo and Lynnie Leal decided to have a little game. Juddah announced that since the book is about single women, the game is just for single women. And since I was in front of the stage, rehearsing for my book excerpt reading, I was called to the stage and was asked a few questions and I get to have the book. Oh don’t ask me how I caught the host’s attention. It was a little embarrassing. LOL.

7. Post something on your social networks (FB, Twitter, etc) inviting them to the MIBF OMF Lit booth, but in an unusual way

READ:

My post in FB last September 17, 2011

8. Get 3 people (not your friends) to sign the OMF Lit survey

Here they are:

They were happy to get the I-READ magnetic bookmark as a token for taking time to answer the survey form.

9. Briefly interview 1 OMF Lit staff about how they feel about the MIBF so far.

I hate to admit it, but I guess I’m having a ‘senior moment’ – I forgot the name of the OMF Lit staff that I interviewed (Oh signs of aging!) but above is her picture. 🙂 Well she said, they are very happy of the outcome of the book fair so far. Many people have been visiting their booth and are taking advantage of the great discounts they offer. Also, they hope that the shoppers will enjoy with the activities they prepared. I asked how she would compare last year’s book fair to this year. She answered that compare to last year, the books that they offer this time are more varied, with authors coming from different background and genre, thus giving more choices for the readers.

10. Write a blog (or even a series of blog entries) about your whole MIBF experience

Read the list again from 1-9 and you’ll get my story for number 10. 🙂

Right, so let me say it again, 2011 MIBF Rocks! Thank you OMF for an awesome experience. I can’t wait for the next year’s fair. 🙂

Like this:

The problem with having a day job and being a writer on the side is when you’re busy executing test cases and all of a sudden there are these nagging thoughts in your head, you know you just have to stop and write (and post status updates like this.) :p

Like this:

So almost everyone, at least in my part of the world, is talking about the Ms. Universe 2011 result which happened this morning (930AM Manila Time) in Sao Paolo Brazil.

Almost all posts in Facebook and tweets that I read today were about the prestigious beauty pageant. And why not? When our very own Miss Philippines won! Yup! Philippines’ Shamcey Supsup won, but not Miss Universe title, just the 3rd runner up. The beautiful Miss Angola bagged the title of the most beautiful woman in the universe. But then again, I’m proud of Shamcey for placing 3rd.

Last year, Philippines (Venus Raj) was the 4th runner up and not so long ago, Miriam Quiambao as the 1st runner up. I think almost every year, the candidates that the Philippines send to the competition always (most of the time)have a place in the top 5 or top 10, or wins some special awards, which just means, we are beautiful people. Hahaha…

Oh well congratulations to all the winners! I like Ms. Angola’s teeth. 🙂

Ms. Universe 2011 - Ms. Angola Leila Lopes (c/o Google Images)

But today, what I think captured the interest of the Filipinos more is not just Shamcey winning 3rd, but it’s the Q & A part of the competition. As usual, like every year, the Q & A portion is just interesting and intriguing. I remember the “major, major” answer of Venus Raj last year. 😛

Shamcey was asked by the judge with this question:

“Would you change your religious beliefs to marry the person you love and why?’’

Shamcey’s answer was:

“If I have to change my religious belief, I will not marry the person I love because the first person that I love is God and He created me. And I have my faith, my principles and it what makes me who I am. And if that person loves me, he should love my God.’’

And this has been the topic of the day all over the metro and I bet it will be the topic for tomorrow and for the next few days. People talk about it… the radio stations like Magic89.9 (Boys Night Out) were encouraging listeners to answer the question themselves. It’s intriguing and interesting. Why? Because it’s about LOVE and RELIGION. It’s the two most interesting topics in the universe I have to say.

And I have to admit, I like Shamcey’s answer. I think if I was the one competing in the Ms. Universe (Yeah right! In my dreams! LOL), I’d answer the same thing. I wouldn’t. Nope. I don’t know if the people from other cultures would understand, but if one is aware about the culture in the Philippines being deeply religious, then people will agree that Shamcey’s answer was perfect and that she deserves the crown.

Actually, I’ve been asked this question before by a close friend of mine (who happened to belong to another faith) and I remember my answer was NO. And if asked again today, I will have the same answer.

And to be honest, my last relationship was with a man who is from a completely different religious background. He is a Sikh, although non-practicing and I am a practicing Christian (not catholic). And while we didn’t really talk about religion, it still affected us in many ways. But I didn’t even consider worshiping another god just for him. I love him so much (and still in love with him *sighs*) and I can do everything for him, except for giving up my faith in Jesus. He didn’t ask me though to change my religion for him, but there was one instance when he was sharing to me his conversation with his dad where he was convincing his father about our relationship and he said to him something like “don’t worry, she will convert and she’ll be able adjust to it someday .” I couldn’t say a thing after that. It is hard. Oh well.

Right, it’s your turn, let’s say you are in a Ms./Mr. Universe Q & A portion and I’m the judge and I will ask you the same question….

“Would you change your religious beliefs to marry the person you love and why?’’

Attention to all BOOK LOVERS. It’s the time of the year again for us to invade the shelves in the SMX Convention Center for the 2011 MANILA INTERNATIONAL BOOKFAIR. Hurray!

Yuppers! From September14 to 18, SMX Convention Center will be converted into a haven for all book lovers, as books will be offered at jaw-dropping discounted prices! Ain’t it great? That for sure made your eyes grow bigger and made you smile from ear to ear. 🙂

I’m super excited!

I remember last year, I was jobless (I quit) and was enjoying my freedom (haha), but almost broke (LOL) but still I didn’t let the book fair pass. I had to be there. I can’t miss the event. Nooooooooooooooooo!!! Not for a book sucker like me. 🙂 It was the time when OMF Literature launched Joshua Harris’s newest book Dug Down Deep in the Philippines and offered it at 50% discount. Cool!

Right, so for this year I’ll be there again. And I’m inviting you all to take part of this event and raid the shelves of the different publishing companies and bookstores participating in this fair.

OMF Literature will be one of those who will generously give discounts to the book suckers, I mean lovers. 🙂 OMF will also be launching new titles that will for sure inspire us, instruct us and gives us valuable insightslike all the books they have been sharingto the readers. Here’s the list of their newest titles both from homegrown and international authors:

Hula, Multo, Faith Healing Atbp by Pastor Hiram Pangilinan explains the different occult practices in the Philippines and how people can break free from them

Pass or Fail by Ronald Molmisa, a practical and relevant book that teaches young people how to be the best student ever (in Taglish format)

Solo Flight by Grace Chong and Francie Castaneda-Lacanilao, a guide to single women and how they can make the most of their lives

The Last Man Dancing: The Nestor de Villa Story by Gicky Soriano, a biography of Mr. De Villa and his faith journey, written by his son

Oh Mateo 14: Tree for All by Grace Chong which teaches kids good stewardship and taking care of the environment

The Great Crocodile and Duck Race by Robert Magnuson which teaches kids to get along while at play

Bee Safe by Joyce Piap Go, a practical and informative book that teaches kids how to be safe in their environment

Dopple Ganger Chronicles Vol 2: The Secret of Indigo Moon by G.P Taylor, a graphic novella featuring more adventures from twins Sadie and Saskia and their friend Eric

Cupidity by Hayley and Michael DiMarco talks about 50 stupid things people do for love and how you can avoid them

Making Room for Leadership by MaryKate Morse, a practical study on the gift of power of servant-leadership

Things I Wish I’d Known Before We Got Married by Gary Chapman, a practical little book, packed with wisdom and tips that will help many develop the loving, supportive and mutually beneficial marriage men and women long for

Think by John Piper brings together the life of the mind and the love of God

Workplace Grace by William Carr Peel and Walt Larrimore which deals with becoming a spiritual influence at work

We aside from these new releases and the awesomely discounted books, OMF will also be having exciting activities for everyone. Here’s the list of their activities:

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

• Storytelling activities for kids on September 14-16

• Pinoy Christian Bloggers meet-up on September 15

• Live broadcast of The Edge Radio on September 16

• Words and Music (mini-concert and book excerpt reading) on September 17

• Authors meet and greet –

– Joyce Piap Go – September 14

– Francie Castaneda-Lacanilao – September 14

– Grace Chong – September 14

– Hiram Pangilinan – September 16

– Gicky Soriano – September 16

– Ronald Molmisa – September 17

For the free pass, all you have to do is print the postcard below and show at the entrance. Or you may drop by OMF Bookstores and ask for the I Read postcards and you’re sure to have access to this grand event for the book suckers! 🙂

This serves as your ticket to 2011 Manila International Book Fair. PRINT THIS!

Enjoy reading. Don’t forget to share this to your friends! See you there!

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